1. Key Features

Your entry window will be similar to this one.

1.1. Customizable Skins, Colors and Fonts

Note that while the colors and font sizes displayed here and in other screenshots mimic the original N1MM Logger Classic, Logger Plus provides for extensive customization of colors and fonts in every window, part of an effort to improve accessibility.

1.2. Right-click Menu

In addition, this right-click menu is provided.

The first 5 choices affect the size of the entry window. Uncheck them to remove things in the window that you do not need.
"Show User Information", if selected, will display Call History User Text.

The 6th option, Band Button Left Click Enabled, is on by default, but may be turned off

If you click on the last option, "Change Band Panel Display", this dialog will appear.

Click the Default button to display the traditional contest bands (HF or V/UHF depending on contest), or all HF bands except 60M when using the DX general logging "contest." Check individual bands to display only those bands. Note that if you select a single band contest on either HF or VHF, the Band Panel will continue to display either full list until you check the bands you want to have displayed.

1.3. Display of Check status

If the Check window is open and an exact match to the entered call-sign is found, a check will appear in the right end of the call-sign text box. The check is colored to match the call-sign color and reflect multiplier status - by default, the colors are green for double, red for single, blue for no multiplier but a workable station for QSO credit. A "?" appears if no match is found, unless you opt to turn that option off in the View Menu of the Entry window.

1.4. Band Panel

There is one column of band buttons in the Band Panel for each permitted mode in the current contest, just to the left of the Call-sign textbox. The color codes shown, when a callsign has been entered, are for the currently-entered call-sign in the call-sign textbox. Green="double mult" red="single mult" blue="not worked yet" grey="dupe). These are default color choices - see the Skins, Colors and Fonts window, reached from the Config menu, to change these color codes throughout the program.

The Band Panel modes are determined by the Mode Category set in the Contest Setup Dialog (File > New Log or Open Log), not by the mode of the radio or one entered in the call-sign textbox (\"CW\", \"USB\", etc.).

Left click on a mode/band button to move the program to that mode and band; an attached radio will follow, to the last frequency you used on that band. The rounded rectangular box around "15 CW" in the illustration above is an indicator of that radio's current band and mode, which may be useful during rapid band changes.

When not in Networked Computer mode, if you right click on a mode/band button, your radio will QSY to that band and mode, to the last frequency you used on that band, and the callsign of the last station you logged will be locally spotted (not sent out to the Internet). This feature is primarily intended for VHF contests where you may want to move a station to many band/mode combinations in quick succession.

1.5. Action Button Row

Wipe (Alt+W, Ctrl+W)- Clears information about the current contact. You can also program this into a Function Key, for one-keystroke operation.

Log It (Enter) - Writes this contact to the log. Disabled when in Quick Edit mode. If you have not filled in all needed exchange information, you will be prompted before logging will occur. You can use Ctrl+Alt+Enter to circumvent this \"editing\" function and log whatever you have entered, for correction later.

Edit - Pops up the full Edit window to edit the last contact. Use Ctrl+Q (Quick Edit) as a convenient alternative. Greyed out when in Quick Edit mode.

Mark (Alt+M) - Marks the current frequency in the Bandmap as being in use. Used when you don't want to take time to enter the call of the station using the frequency.

Store (Alt+O) - Spots on the Bandmap the call-sign you have entered in the Call-sign textbox. It will be shown in bold because it is self spotted. The Telnet Filter tab option \"QSYing wipes the call and spots QSO in Bandmap\" is an easier way to do this, whether you have worked the station or not.

Spot It (Alt+P) - Spots either the callsign in the callsign textbox or the last QSO logged, if Telnet is active. See this section for more information.

QRZ - Performs a lookup on QRZ.com of the call-sign in the Call-sign textbox, if your computer is connected to the Internet.

1.6. Function Key Panel

F1 through F12 - Sends the associated CW/Digital text or .wav file, and executes any macros stored in the message. Right click on the buttons to open the Function Key Editor. Running and S&P modes each have 12 stored messages. Press Shift+F1 through F12 to send the Run message when in S&P mode, or vice versa.

1.7. Run/S+P (radio buttons)(Alt+U)

Switch between Run and S&P mode. This also switches between the Run (first 12) and S&P (second 12) messages in the .mc file (unless the second 12 messages are not present in the .mc file).

1.8. CW speed(PgUp/PgDn)

The textbox shows the current CW speed. Either PgUp/PgDn or clicking the up/down arrows alongside the speed will change the speed. Only visible when CW mode is selected. The interval in WPM is set on the Other tab in the Configurer. Additional keystroke combinations for changing speed by a larger (secondary) interval may be seen under Key Assignments.

The Ignore Winkey Speed Pot setting

When using a Winkeyer, if you do not check "Ignore Winkey Speed Pot" on the Winkey tab in the Configurer, the program's starting CW speed will be set by the Winkeyer speed knob. If you check that box, the program will start at the last CW speed used.

1.9. Entry and Transmit Focus - The Red and Green dots ("LED"s)

On the Entry Window below the left end of the Call-sign textbox you will see either a green or a red dot (LED), or both. The LEDs are visual aids that help you keep track of what is happening on each VFO/radio, particularly when operating SO2V or SO2R. This is part of N1MM's continuing philosophy of letting the operator easily know what's happening at any given time.

Green dot/LED - This VFO/radio has Entry focus - also known elsewhere in this manual as RX (Receive) focus or Keyboard focus. This means that any information entered by keyboard goes in that window, including function keys. Depending on your SO2R switching setup, it may also denote which radio you are hearing in your headphones.

Red dot/LED - This VFO/radio has the Transmit focus. When actively transmitting, the red LED turns to orange (default) or another color defined in the Manage Skins, Colors and Fonts window, reached from the Config menu. Note that the Transmit focus does not necessarily tell you which radio will transmit next. For example, if the red LED is in Entry window A, but the green LED is in Entry window B, pressing F1 will send CQ on radio/vfo B, because it has the Entry focus. The red LED will move to that window, and remain in the active transmit color for the duration of the CQ.

The following table explains how certain keystrokes and mouse-clicks move the LEDs from one entry window to the other

Action

Starting Condition

First Keystroke

Subsequent Keystrokes

Back-slash

Both in one Entry window

RX focus to other Entry window

Toggle RX focus between Entry windows

One in each Entry window

RX focus to other Entry Window

Toggle

Pause

Both in one Entry window

Both to other Entry window

Toggle both

One in each Entry window

Both to Entry window with Transmit focus

Toggle both

Mouse click (anywhere but buttons)

N/A

RX to clicked window

N/A

Ctrl+left arrow

Both in one Entry window

Both to VFO/Radio A

Nil

One in each Entry window

Both to Radio A

Nil

Ctrl+right arrow

Both in one Entry window

Both to VFO/Radio B

Nil

One in each Entry window

Both to VFO/Radio B

Nil

Important note

When using function keys to transmit either CW or stored voice messages, the message will be sent on the radio or VFO that has the Entry focus, not the one that has the Transmit focus. When you press the function key, the red LED denoting Transmit focus first switches to the Entry window that has the Entry (Keyboard) focus, and then the message is transmitted. On the other hand, when using either manual CW or phone, messages will be sent on the radio or VFO that has the red LED, so if you grab the microphone or paddle, that's what you'll get. After a while, it becomes second nature - we promise!

1.10. Call-sign/Exchange Editing Features

Space Bar - moves cursor between the Call-sign and Exchange textboxes. The cursor will always return to the position it was in when last in that textbox.

Tab - Moves to the next textbox.

Shift+Tab - moves to the previous textbox.

Home - moves cursor to beginning of the current textbox.

End - moves cursor to end of the current textbox.

Question mark (?) - In the Call-sign textbox, sends "?". The "?" will be highlighted (selected) when the cursor returns to the textbox. For example, entering N?MM in the Call-sign textbox will send what is typed, and automatically highlight the "?" when you space back to it, so you can easily replace it. A double "?", as in DL?K?A will highlights all text in between and including the "?" marks, and the first keystroke entered will replace all three characters.

Left/Right Arrow - moves cursor to left or right one position within a textbox.

Backspace - deletes character to the left of the cursor position.

Delete - deletes character to the right of the cursor position.

Shift+Home - highlights from the cursor position to the beginning of the current textbox, so that you can easily replace all the highlighted text.

Shift+End - highlights from the cursor position to the end of the textbox.

Shift+arrow key - highlights as you press the arrow keys in either direction. When you type the first new character, it replaces all the highlighted characters.

Note

Check out the Key Assignments page in Digging Deeper for a listing of all available "hot-key" assignments in the program.

1.11. Entry Window Text Commands

While N1MM Logger+ does not make extensive use of text commands (as CT did and Win-Test still does), there are a few that may prove useful.

In each case, the command is typed into the Call-sign textbox of the Entry window, and executed when Enter or Ctrl+Enter is pressed.

Mode Changes - Enter CW, SSB, RTTY or PSK, and the program (together with your radio, if one is connected) switches to the requested mode. This is particularly useful when you have not connected a radio, but wish to change the mode recorded in your log. For SSB, the switch will be to the conventional sideband (e.g., USB on the higher bands, or LSB on 40M and down). If you need to be on the opposite sideband for some reason, enter USB or LSB as needed.

Frequency Changes- Enter a full frequency in kHz (e.g., 14025.1 , or 14025,1 if your computer uses comma as the decimal separator) and the program moves to that frequency. Type a partial frequency relative to the current lower band edge (e.g., 025.1) and the program goes to that frequency relative to the band edge. Type a frequency with a + or - sign (e.g. +2, -3) to QSY by the selected amount (i.e. up 2 kHz or down 3 kHz). If your radio is interfaced for radio control, its frequency will follow the program.Type a frequency, but execute with Ctrl+Enter, and the program (and radio, if connected) goes into split mode and uses the frequency you entered as the transmit frequency. For full information on split operation, see this chapter.

Wipe the Log- WIPELOG -This command is used to delete any "practice" QSOs from a log before you begin actual operation. In single-computer stations it may be as easy simply to create another instance of the contest from the Contest Setup dialog. In networked computer stations such as multi-ops, use of WIPELOG is helpful for ensuring that the logs maintained on each computer will be consistent with one another. It is important that every computer on the network performs the WIPELOG command before any contacts are made. Any spare computers should be set up for the contest, and the WIPELOG command executed, before they are connected to the network.

TOUR command - A very few contests allow for multiple sessions in which you can work the same station in every session for QSO credit. You can enter TOUR into the Entry window in place of a call sign to reset dupe checking at any time before or during the contest. This command has 2 required parameters that are entered into the Sent RST field, separated by a forward slash "/". The first parameter is the time when the current session begins (GMT) and the second parameter is the duration of the session. The format for both parameters is hhmm. For example, 1200/30 means the session starts at 1200Z and has a duration of 30 minutes. The minimum value for the duration parameter is 10 (10 minutes). If the TOUR command is entered without any parameters, the current values of the start time and duration will be displayed. The default values are 0000/00.

At the beginning of each session the start time and duration will be displayed in the status field at the bottom of the Entry Window. After the first QSO has been logged during the new session you should see the Multiplier window reset and dupes will be reset for this new session as well.

Most of the contests supported by the Logger do not need this command but some (mostly Russian and Ukrainian) have it built into the contest module and do not require it entered manually.

If you are planning on using TOUR command with other contests, keep in mind that settings for it will be lost when the Logger is restarted. If the Snt (sent RST) field is not displayed in the Entry window, you will not be able to use this command.

1.12. Multi-op

OPON - This command is the equivalent of Ctrl+O, and opens a sub-window for a new operator to "sign on." The operator is saved in the log with each contact for later display and analysis (for example, using the View > Statistics menu item and selecting Operator as the row or column to be displayed). The operator currently "ON" is displayed in large blue letters in the Info window.

QSO-specific operator information is not included in the Cabrillo file, but the "Update Ops from Log" button in the Contest Setup Dialog can be used to create a list of operators to be included in the Cabrillo header.

OPON also determines what will be returned by the {OPERATOR} macro, which can be used in SSB function key message files to invoke individual wav files in each operator's voice.

In addition, after you have entered your call, you can execute Save Window Positions on the Entry window's Tools menu and thereafter when you sign on again, your personal saved window positions will be retrieved.

1.13. Mobile/Rover/VHF Commands

ROVERQTH - for use in QSO parties, opens a pop-up window into which you enter your current or planned county abbreviation, in the form specified by the contest organizer. See the section on Mobile/Rover Support.

COUNTYLINE - for use when operating from a county line in QSO parties. Opens a pop-up window into which you enter the county abbreviations, separated by a comma. After you exit this window, check the title bar of the Entry window to ensure the correct counties are listed.

1.14. Additional VHF Commands

BEACONS - This command will load a user-prepared file called Beacons.txt from the N1MM Logger+ document directory (which sub-folder?) unto the database. The file format is:

The purpose of this function is to permit users to display beacons on their Bandmaps for much longer than the normal packet timeout, as a reminder to listen for those stations periodically. In the sample above, the beacons will continue to be displayed for 60 hours after the command is invoked. Note that unlike the other Entry window text commands, this one pops up a file selection dialog as soon as the last letter is typed; no Enter is required, other than to exit the dialog and load the file once it has been selected.

When you first press F1 after selecting repeat CQs, an icon will appear in the Entry window, like this.

As long as the icon is visible, the CQ will repeat at the repeat interval. If you interrupt with a call-sign or the ESC key, it will disappear.

1.16. Bearing, Call History and Status Bar Information

If the Entry window is tall enough, the two lines below the buttons will display useful information.
The Bearing line displays short and long path beam headings and short=path distance to the station whose call-sign is entered in the Call-sign textbox. Call history information for the entered call-sign appears in the next line, when Call History Lookup has been enabled on the Config menu.

1.17. The Status Bar

The Status Bar is the bottom line of the Entry window is always displayed. It is divided into three panes

Left pane - Information

After entering a call-sign - Country, Zone, Continent

Otherwise - Program messages (error messages, results from commands such as CW speed changes, or recording of .wav messages. You may need to widen the Entry Window temporarily to display full file paths and other long messages.

2. Dual Entry Windows

The program can have two Entry windows, one for each VFO (SO2V) or for each radio (SO2R). Select these, and SO1R, in the Configurer.

The master Entry window, which is always open, is linked to VFO-A or radio 1.
The second Entry window is linked to VFO-B (SO2V) or radio 2(SO2R). The second Entry window is automatically opened when SO2V or SO2R is selected. If it is closed for any reason, it can be reopened by typing "\" (backslash) anywhere in any of the Logger+'s active windows, except for the Telnet window.

If two Entry windows take up too much screen space, you can right-click on either window and reduce its size by omitting lines of content, such as the row of Action buttons. you'll note that in the VFO-B example below, some lines have been omitted. You can also position the second Entry window over the first Entry window. Typing "\" (as above) will bring the one that has been hidden to the front, with Entry focus.

The Entry Window examples below reflect a typical setup: VFO-A is now assigned to running, and VFO(B) is assigned to S&P.

All of the Entry window features that are available to the single radio operator also work in SO2R/SO2V. For example, when tuning the band with the S&P VFO, spots that are in the bandmap are automatically inserted into the relevant call-frame (above the Call-sign textbox) when you tune across the frequency of the spot. Hitting the space bar (or Enter, in ESM) will pull the call-sign from the call-frame into the Call-sign textbox. Then if a station calls you on the run radio, toggling back and forth between Entry Windows with the \ key will keep the information in each Entry Window until the respective stations are logged.

The second Entry window will be opened when a call is clicked in the second bandmap, if it is not already open.

In SO2V (one radio - two VFOs = 'normal' operation) QSOs made on VFO-A have to be entered in the standard (first) Entry window. Making a QSO on VFO-B (transmitting and receiving on VFO-B) has to be done by using the second (VFO) Entry window. So when using both bandmaps, both Entry windows are needed to make QSOs on both VFOs. However, when operating split, the program transmits on VFO-A, and only the master Entry window needs to be open. If both are open in SO2V the second entry window displays the receive frequency

3. Call-sign Colors

There are two places where a call-sign can be shown in the Entry window , in the Call-sign field and in the Call-frame. The default colors for the call-sign text are consistent with other places throughout (such as the Band Panel and Available Mults and Qs windows), and are described below:

Red

Single Multiplier Example: CQWW - qso is either zone or country multiplier (one multipliers)

Green

Double or better Multiplier Example: CQWW - qso is a zone and a country multiplier (two multipliers)

Blue

New contact

Gray

Dupe contact or an unworkable station in a non-workable country. This means that you don't need this station because he is a dupe or you are not even 'allowed' to work him in this contest according the contest rules.

Alternative colors may be used by specifying them in the Manage Skins, Colors and Fonts window, reached from the Config menu.

4. Other Features

Clicking on the Exchange textbox will have the same effect as pressing Space when the cursor is in the call-sign textbox.

The frequency, emission mode (e.g. CW, USB) and radio name are shown on the Entry window title bar.

When tuning the band, if a station on the Bandmap is within the tuning tolerance, its call will be placed in the Entry window's call-frame. When the call-sign textbox is empty, pressing the space bar will copy the call-sign from the call-frame to the call-sign textbox.

Ctrl+P - Spot the station entered in the call-sign field to the active Telnet cluster, if any. You will be prompted for a comment. If no station is entered in the call-sign field, the last logged station this session will be spotted. Macros are accepted in the comment sen

Alt+R - Toggles Repeat CQ. You can stop repeat CQing by beginning to enter a call-sign, or by hitting Escape. After you complete manual input, if you press F1, Repeat CQ will resume. Press Alt+R again to exit this mode.

Ctrl+R sets the period of repeat in seconds or milliseconds.

A 'R' will be shown in the red TX status LED when repeat mode is on.

The repeat timer for CW and SSB is for the interval from when you stop sending CQ until CQ resumes.

Repeat CQ is not available when using an external DVK, because there is no indication of when a message has ended.

When using a radio with internal voice message memories, the repeat timer can be used together with a CAT macro in the relevant function key. Note: The repeat timer in this case starts when the radio command is sent to the radio. Users that use this function to trigger radio voice keyers must assign the radio command to abort the message to a separate function key, as Escape will not stop it.

Ctrl+Shift+Fx - Record SSB message for the assigned function key. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+Fx again stops the recording. Fx can be F1 to F12, either Run or S&P mode.

Ctrl+Alt+Fx - Record external DVK memory 1 to 4. Fx can be F1 to F4. An external DVK has to be connected and configured on an LPT port.

Enter sends messages - An entire normal contact can be completed with the Enter key. More information is given in the Using Stored Messages chapter under ESM (Enter Sends Messages)

Ctrl+Q - enters Quick Edit mode. When you are in QuickEdit mode, the background of the Entry window textboxes are colored light blue. "QuickEdit" is also shown in the callframe.

There is no check of the exchange against the contest rules, as is done when the QSO is entered normally. So check thoroughly what you change.

If you have multiple filters or a crystal filter and DSP, Alt+' (Alt+single quote) toggles between a wide and narrow filter for the selected mode (SSB, CW or Digital). This hot-key will work whether you have changed your filter codes or not. Filter codes can be set in the the bandmap right click menu.

A warning message will be shown if user tunes away before logging a qso in the Entry window.

Force logging - The program tries to help you by validating what you copy as the Exchange, but if it is balking and you don;'t want to stop to figure it out, you can force logging with Ctrl+Alt+Enter. A small Note window will pop up, pre-filled with the words "Forced QSO". You can type over to remind yourself later what you copied, or simply hit Enter to log the default note.

5. Function Keys

5.1. General

Function keys F1-F12 are used for sending stored messages. The use of stored messages is covered in detail in another section. This section deals with the generic behavior of the Function keys.

The Function keys can be stacked. This means you can press several Function keys in close succession, and the contents will be sent in full in the selected order, with a space between. For example, you could press F4 to re-send your call (if you think the other station did not get it right) and immediately press F2 to send the exchange. The program will send the two messages seamlessly.

When hovering with the mouse over a Function key button the text to be sent is shown.

5.2. Run mode and S+P mode

If the Run radio button is selected, you will see the Run messages, and vice versa. Pressing Shift and a Function key sends the message stored in that key in the opposite mode (Run if S&P, and vice versa)

When you press Shift alone, the labels will change to those from the other mode (if different). This will help you decide if you want to send one of those messages by holding the Shift and pressing a Function key.

When you call CQ on a frequency, the marker CQ-Frequency is placed at that frequency on the Bandmap. Thereafter, if you are in S&P mode and you tune within the tuning tolerance of the marker, the program will switch automatically to Run mode. Clicking on the 'CQ-frequency' in the Bandmap also will place the program in Run mode again.

Note that when in Search and Pounce mode, you can switch to Run mode by pressing F1 to send what is called the S&P CQ message. That will send the S&P F1 message (for example, "QRL?") and switch the program to Run mode.

Alt + F11 - Normally when you are on your CQ-frequency you will be in Run mode and QSYing will switch to S&P mode. Press Alt+F11 to disable this automatic mode change, and again to re-enable it. A message in the Entry window status bar will indicate what the current state is. When on a DXpedition this behavior can be very useful.

6. File Menu Selections

New log in database - Create a new contest log in the current database. More info here.

Open log in database - Open an existing log in the current database. More info here.

New Database - Create a new log database. Change the proposed name (ham.s3db) into a meaningful name for the use or contents of this new database. Until you change to another database (see Open Database below), this database will be opened by default at startup of the program.

Open Database - Open an existing log database. Select from databases already created.

Convert N1MM Database to N1MM+ - This option is intended for use after you install N1MM+ but before you delete NLClassic from your computer. Because N1MM+ uses SQLite, in order to access an old database (.mdb file) you need to do two things. First, open it in NLClassic (any version 14.0.0 or after). Then close it, select Convert...(this option)in NL+, and navigate to your N1MMClassic program directory. Select the database you want to convert, and hit Open. You will be asked for the name you want to give it under N1MM+, and when you hit Enter the database will be converted and placed in the [user]\My Documents\N1MM Logger+\Databases subfolder.

Copy This Contest to Another Database - Copy the current contest log to another database. If the target database does not exist, you should create it first, using the New Database command. The original database is not changed, nor does the program start using the new database unless Open Database is subsequently used to open it.

Why Copy A Contest to Another Database?

There are many reasons why you might want to copy contests from one database to another. Many users have created databases organized by year, by contest type, and so on. This option makes that easy.

Some users, particularly those whose CPU or PC memory capacity is limited, have found that they get improved program performance by using a database that has only one contest (or relatively few QSOs) in it. If you start off using a database with many contests already in it, you can always create a new database and then copy the QSOs you have already made to it.

Generate Cabrillo File - Invites you to name your Cabrillo file for the current contest, double-checks your sent exchange, creates the file, and opens it in Notepad for you to check before you send it in.

Once created, the Cabrillo file can be edited using Notepad or any text editor. Make sure that the Station information (Config > Change Your Station Data) and Contest Setup (File > Open Log in Database) are correct before creating this file. Be sure to enter the correct Sent Exchange in the Contest Setup dialog, or else your Cabrillo file will be wrong.

Double-check your entry class before generating the Cabrillo file. The defaults may well not be appropriate for your entry in this particular contest. The program defaults to Single Op Assisted as your class, and you may not want that. For Multi-op stations select the correct Operator Category in the Contest Setup window. This generates the correct numbers for each station; in Multi-single, the station number field (the last digit in each line) identifies the Mult and Run station.

It is a good idea to rescore the contest (Tools>Rescore Current Contest) before submitting and check to be sure that the header of the Cabrillo file is correct before submitting the log. Some contest organizers use non-standard operator categories (i.e. not in the official Cabrillo specification); in these contests you will have to edit the category by hand to make it agree with the organizer's requirements.

Digital Mode Designators

Note: The Cabrillo standard only supports one mode designator for digital modes: RY. In some digital or mixed-mode contests, PSK and RTTY may be considered separate modes, and the contest organizers may specify additional non-standard designators such as PK. The Logger's Cabrillo mode export string for PSK is "PK" unless the contest considers RTTY and PSK to be a single digital mode. When this occurs the mode export string is "RY". Because the use of these mode designators is non-standard, you should always check with the organizer's file specification and if necessary, edit the Cabrillo file to meet the organizer's requirements.

6.1. Import

Import ADIF from file... - Load the data from an ADIF file into the current database. The Contest Name in the ADIF file must match the contest name in the current database. Also, the N1MM Logger+ database can not contain QSO's with identical time stamps (time and date). If the contacts contained in the ADIF already exist in the current database, it will be necessary to open a new database and contest before importing the ADIF file.

If the ADIF file contains tags that are not used by the N1MM Logger+ program, they are ignored. This is often the case when the ADIF file is generated by a different program. To view the N1MM Logger+ ADIF tags open a contest of the same type, log one or more dummy QSO(s), then export the ADIF file. Compare the Contest Name and QSO tags for the important QSO elements. See the FAQ on ADIF files for more information.

Import Call History... - Call history files (typically with the extension .ch or .txt) are used to suggest exchange elements based on past experience with the current station. See this full explanation

Import State and Province Abbreviations... - Import the state and province abbreviations used in many contest modules. This is done automatically when changing databases, but may be worth trying if you have trouble in a contest (particularly a QSO Party) with the program not recognizing certain county, state or province abbreviations. Do a rescore after executing this menu item, when QSOs have already been logged.

Recover QSOs from a Transaction Log... - Import the created transaction log (also known as a transaction file). This file is created automatically and stored in the Databases\TransactionLogFiles sub-directory within the N1MM Logger+ User files area and have the filename suffix TRN. These files are used as follows: During normal operation N1MM Logger+ saves the information about each QSO in a simple text file. These files are stored in a sub-folder in the Databases folder in the user files area and can be used to recover in the event the database file is corrupted. Here's an explanation of how you can use those files to recover your data quickly, during a contest, or at your leisure later:

The transaction log is created for each contest you log to

The file is closed after each transaction and reopened to force the data to be written to disk

To keep things simple and foolproof, you are not allowed to change the name of the transaction log

The name is used to make sure you are loading it properly, and to prevent mixing logs of two contests. Example name: 'CQWWCW - 2005-09-19 - 14.TRN' i.e.: Contest name - date log created - an internal index number

To Recover your log, you MUST import the transaction log into a NEW (empty) database and a NEW contest log. See this link.

The new contest log must be the same contest type as the contest from the transaction file (Example: if restoring CQWPXCW, the new contest must also be CQWPXCW)

As you load the transaction log, a new transaction log is automatically made with the transactions in the first log. Thus you should never have to merge logs. You always use the last one

6.2. Export

Filename Tip

Whenever the "Save File" window prompts for a filename, the default is your call-sign.txt (the cal-lsign comes from the Station Information dialog). "/" and some other common characters are not accepted by Windows, so if your contest call sign was N1MM/P, use something like "N1MM_P.txt" instead.

6.2.1. ADIF Export Sub-menu

Export ADIF to file... - Create an ADIF file. This file can be used to export the current contest, for import into a logging program or another contest program (horrors!). Deleted QSOs are not exported; select the 'DELETEDQS' contest to export these.

Export ADIF to file by date... - Create an ADIF file from the currently-selected contest, starting from the date set. The first time you use this function the default date will be 1900-01-01 (yyyy-mm-dd). The second time the suggested date and time will be the last time you exported with this option. You can always over-write the date/time if you want. This function is especially useful when you want to export into a (general) logging program to do award tracking etc.

Deleted QSOs are not exported; select the 'DELETEDQS' contest to export these.

Export ADIF to file by date from ALL contests... - Create an ADIF file from all QSOs in all contests starting from the date set. The first time you use this function the default date will be 1900-01-01 (yyyy-mm-dd). The second time the suggested date and time will be the last time you exported with this option. You can always over-write the date/time if you want. This function is especially useful when you want to export into a (general) logging program to do award tracking etc.

Deleted QSOs are not exported; select the 'DELETEDQS' contest to export these.

Export ADIF to file by Multi-User Station Name - Create an ADIF file from all QSOs from one station in a Multi User environment when you are currently logging DX. Otherwise, it exports only from the contest you are logging in. A station name has to be supplied from the Network Status window, after which you will be asked for a filename.

Note: When using ADIF export and the contest name contains "RTTY" or "JARTS" the export mode is set to "RTTY" even when the log file shows otherwise (i.e. LSB).

Export to File (Generic)

Export to File (Generic), order by QSO Time (normal)... - Creates a generic file named call-sign.txt from the contest log ordered by time (and not by band). In some cases this will be the file requested by the contest manager. This file can also be used to import into a spreadsheet or database program, or your logging program if it can't import ADIF format. The exported file can be edited with a text editor like Notepad.

Export to File (Generic), order by Band... - Creates a generic file named call-sign.txt from the contest log ordered by band, per band ordered by time. In some cases this is the file requested by the contest manager, for example in VHF and up contests.

Export EDI to file by band... - Create an EDI (REG1TEST) file. This is a regular file format used for VHF contests in Europe. A separate file will be created for each band with QSOs made on it.

Print Score Summary to File... - Print the contents of the Score Summary window to a text file with the default name call-sign.SUM Example: N1MM.SUM. This can also be done by right-clicking the Score Summary window.

Export Call History... - Exports the information in the Call History database table. This table can only be filled or revised by using Import Call History. Do your editing on the Call History text file before import.

Export Function Keys to file - Export the contents of the function keys to file (*.mc). Exported function key definitions can be imported using the Function Key Editor

6.3. Contest List

At the bottom of the File Menu is a list of the last 9 contests you have had open, along with the databases they are contained in. This provides a very convenient way to switch between contests when you want to participate in more than one simultaneously. You can open the File menu and use your mouse to select the contest you want to work next, or you can hit Alt+F, which opens the File menu, and then hit the number (1-9) corresponding with the contest you want.

The contest you currently have open will always be numbered "1", and the next previous will be numbered "2", so if you want to toggle between just two contests, all you need to do is set them up and then Hit Alt+F, then 2, to jump back and forth.

7. Edit Menu Selections

Wipe Out Entry Fields Ctrl+W - Clear information from the current contact (equal to Alt+W).

Edit Last Contact Ctrl+Y - Open a dialog to allow all fields for the last contact in the log to be modified.

Add a Note to Last/Current Contact Ctrl+N - Add a note to the current contact in the Entry window, or the last QSO logged when no call-sign is shown in the Entry window.

Edit Current Contact - Open a dialog to allow all fields for the current contact (still in the Entry window) to be modified. Double clicking in the Log window on a field with user-supplied data will open in-line editing of that particular item. See the Log Window below for more details on this.

Quick Edit - Quickly edit QSOs already in the log. If the text boxes in the Entry window are colored blue, you are in Quick Edit mode. Quick Edit (Ctrl+Q) always starts with the last QSO in the log. The call-sign and any exchange elements are displayed in the Entry window, with the legend "QuickEdit" in the call-frame. Correct any errors and hit Enter, or hit Esc to exit quick Edit mode. Once you are in Quick Edit mode, hitting Ctrl+A moves forward one QSO, while hitting Ctrl+Q moves backward (in time) one QSO.

Quick Edit Previous Contacts (Forward) Ctrl+A- Quickly edit the QSOs worked before in the log. Ctrl+Q moves back one QSO, Ctrl+A moves forward one QSO.

Increase Received NR by 1 Ctrl+U - Increase the number in the exchange field by 1. You will find this useful during serial number contests when you are in a pileup and you need to keep incrementing the DX station's serial number because you can't get him in the log...

Find/Find Again Ctrl+F - Find the call-sign entered in the call-sign field in the log. Pressing Ctrl+F again will find the next instance.

8. View Menu Selections

in-edit some obsolete or cluster-specific commands in lower section

Max Rates - Shows the best 1-minute, 10-minute and 60-minute rates achieved in the current contest. File > Copy these messages to the Clipboard is self-explanatory, and appears for all of the View functions below..

Off Times - Shows off times. Lists each off period that complies with the contest rules, or each off-time of 30 minutes or more if the contest rules do not specify. Each off period shows when it began and ended, and the duration. Total on and off time is also given. Time between the start of the contest and the first logged QSO is counted as off time, as is time between the last QSO and the end of the contest.

Runs - Shows all runs. The program counts consecutive QSOs in run mode until an S&P QSO or band change. Off times do not break a run if you resume in Run mode on the same band.

All greyed-out 'Show' items below become active when valid call-sign information is entered in the call-sign textbox or the call-frame. Some formats may not be compatible with all current cluster command sets

Show Last 10 Spots - Show the last 10 DX cluster spots for the call in the call-sign field or call-frame. Telnet cluster connection required. Format may not be compatible with some cluster nodes.

Show Station - Show the station information for the call in the call-sign field or call-frame. Telnet cluster connection required

Show QSL/Telnet - Show the QSL information for the call in the call-sign field or call-frame. Telnet cluster connection required.

Show Sunrise/Sunset - Show the Sunrise/Sunset information for the call in the call-sign field or call-frame. Telnet cluster connection required.

SH/DX Current Call or Spot - Shows DX information from the current call in the call-sign field or spot. Telnet cluster connection required.

Show QRZ (Internet) - Show the information that QRZ.com has for this call using your browser. An Internet connection is required. present.

Show Google (Internet) - Show the information that Google.com has for this call using your browser. An Internet connection is required.

Show ? on Unmatched Calls - When the Check window is open and a call-sign is entered in the call-sign textbox, a "?" will appear following the call-sign if no matching call-sign was found in the Check window's sources. Uncheck the option if you do not wish this to happen.

9. Tools Menu Selections

Rescore Current Contest - Rescores the current contest. This is required before submitting a log if anything has changed, such as a cty.dat or .sec file, or if you have edited any QSOs. It rechecks QSO points and multipliers and makes any corrections needed

Rescore last N Hours - Rescores the last N hours for the current contest. It may be run at any time but is rather slow.

Download and Install Latest Check Partial file (Master.scp)(Internet) - Opens your web browser to download the latest version of the check partial file. Select the file to download and save it in the Support Files subfolder of the N1MM Logger+ folder, under [user]\My Documents.

Toggle Tune (CW mode) Ctrl+T - Switches the radio into CW mode and using the CW keying interface, keys the transmitter. PTT is asserted. To stop tuning, press the Esc key or Ctrl+T again. After tuning ends and PTT is released, the radio returns to the original mode.

Import country list from downloaded file (Internet) - This option is retained for contests that use a non-standard cty.dat file that is not on the standard country file website.

Add call to country - Specify a country for the call-sign in the call-sign textbox in the Entry window. If no call-sign is entered this menu item will be grayed out. This is a quick way during the heat of a contest to add a country temporarily, until the next time you import wl_cty.dat. Making changes permanent requires editing the country file (wl_cty.dat) to be imported.

Tune to beacon for this band (20-10M) - This will change the radio's mode to CW and tune to the NCDXF beacon on the current band, if that band is 20, 15 or 10 meters. The station currently transmitting and the power steps are displayed in the status bar of the Entry window that has the Entry focus (green LED). Short Path and Long Path bearings to the beacon are shown. See this website for current information on the beacon program.

Update Call History with Current Log - Update the current call history table with the QSOs from the current log file. Information associated with a call-sign will be added, or updated if already in the call history table. For VHF contest, in particular, where two Maigenhead grid fileds are provided, the behavior is a bit different. When both grid fields are filled and a new, third grid has been logged, the oldest grid will be removed, and replaced by the grid from the first field. The new grid will be added in the first position. The same change in position will happen when only the first grid field is filled and a new grid is added from the log. A 4-digit grid will be overwritten by a 6-digit grid when the first 4 characters are the same, adding precision to the entry.

Clear Call History then Update with Current Log - As above, except clears the call history table before adding contacts from the current log. Can be used to start a new call history file.

Turn Rotor Alt+J - Turn rotor to bearing for the call-sign in the Entry window or to the call-sign in the callframe (when call-sign field is empty).

Alt+L will turn the beam to the proper bearing for long path

Stop Rotor Ctrl+Alt+J - Stop turning the rotator.

Telnet Window Tools - Opens the Filters tab of the Packet Window.

Program Execution Logging (Diagnostics folder) - There are several different logging options, all of which export to the Diagnostics folder, and may prove useful to the developers in tracking down performance and other problems. We recommend that you click Disable All on the sub-menu unless you are encountering serious delays or other execution anomalies.

Save Window Positions - Save the current window positions to the .ini file.

Window positions are automatically saved when the program is closed.

Window positions are saved per operator. Use Ctrl+O to enter the call of the operator, and click ''Save Window Positions'. The next time that operator signs on (using Ctrl+O), the window setup will be adjusted to the saved layout.

Restore Window Positions - Restore from the .ini file the most recent saved window positions. The screen will update immediately

Window positions are restored per operator (when saved first by the operator). Use Ctrl+O to select Operator and press 'Restore Window Positions'. The windows will change to their new positions immediately. This enables easy reconfiguration of the screen when changing operators at a multi-op.

Check for New Program Version and Install - Useful if you have elected not to install a new version when the chance was automatically offered, and now want to remedy your "grievous error."

Note

More info about rotator control can be found in the Supported Hardware chapter under Rotator control

10. Config Menu Selections

Many of the selections after the Configurer can also be invoked in other ways, such as hot-keys or from other windows.

This a very important dialog which determines many aspects of the program's external interfaces and operation. Go here for detailed documentation of this dialog.

10.2. Change Your Station Data

Modify overall Station information - name, call, address, state, latitude, longitude, etc. The call-sign and location information entered here is very important for most contests, It determines what country, state or province you are in, which may in turn affect the required exchange, scoring, which stations may be worked for contest credit, etc. See this section for more discussion.

10.3. Logger+ Audio Setup

For users with Windows Vista or later operating systems, this is where you set up your audio options for the new Logger+ Audio functions, including playback and on-the-fly recording of stored voice messages. If you are running Windows XP, you will not see this option. If you check the next option below, Use Logger+ Audio, then the Audio tab will not be present the next time you open the Configurer.

10.3.1. The Monitor tab

This tab opens whenever you open the Logger+ Audio Setup

The left-hand slider ("Set") sets the output level going to your radio. You will want to set this so that your radio indicates the correct microphone level and amount of compression. When playing a .wav file, the narrow "Wav" bar-graph displays the relative level of the peaks of the recording being played. The wide "Output" bargraph displays the peaks of the output going to your radio.

When the "Set" slider is set to 100%, you will note that the two bargraphs move in sync. Moreover, that slider also sets the output level of the sound device in Windows Control Panel's Sound dialog, unless you check "Never Change Audio Levels" on the right side of the dialog. The right-hand slider sets the record level for "on-the-fly" recording, and the narrow bargraoph just to its right displays the relative sound level that is being recorded.

The "Test" button will play a pre-recorded message, so that you can test your playback setup without having to record something first.

The lower pane of this tab reports each stored message that is sent, which can be helpful for debugging.

10.3.2. The Playback tab

In the first options box, the choice is among a single soundcard for SO1V/SO2V, a single soundcard for SO2R (where an external controller is used to route the audio between radios), and two soundcards, where each soundcard is connected to one radio.

In the second options box, select the Playback device that will feed audio to your radio. The set of possibilities displayed is dependent on your specific computer configuration.

A growing number of radios have internal "sound cards", called CODECS. If you have one of these and wish to use it as the sound card for that radio, check the box. Of course, you cannot use a single radio CODEC for more than its own radios, so the first option needs to be set to match.

The lower pane of this tab shows interactions between N1MM+ and windows audio functions.

10.3.3. The Message Recording Tab

This tab will vary with your choices on the monitor tab. If you choose two-soundcard SO2R you will need to choose inputs for each card to enable on-the-fly re-recording of stored messages

The Sample Rate options are 8000 and 12000, and are set here for on-the-fly recording only.

The lower pane will report the beginning and end of each on-the-fly recording event.

10.4. Use Logger+ Audio

Activates the audio setup in the selection just above, and deactivates the audio tab in the Configurer, if your PC is running Windows 7 or later. If you are running Windows XP, neither this option nor the configuration menu above will appear on your screen.

10.5. Enter Sends Message (ESM mode)

Ctrl+M toggles this mode on and off - first introduced by N6TR in TRLog, and much improved in N1MM Logger. The program anticipates the needed sequence of messages to complete a QSO in either Run or Search & Pounce mode, and sends each one in turn by simply hitting Enter. See ESM for further details.

10.6. Spot all S&P QSOs

Spot the contact when you log it. This option is turned off by default when starting the program, to avoid spotting everything you work unless you want to.

If this option is checked, a contact is automatically spotted when:

You complete the QSO in S&P mode and

the spot is not already on your Bandmap at the same frequency (+/- the tuning tolerance)

The Spot Comment tab on the Telnet window allows the user to specify a comment for spots, including elements of the log entry for the spotted call, such as Zone or Exchange.

10.7. QSYing wipes the call & spots QSO in bandmap

Very useful for S&P. If you enter a station's call in the Entry window, and then tune off for any reason (he doesn't answer your call, or...) the call is shown bold in the bandmap. These 'spots' are not sent out on Telnet. The setting of this feature remains as it was across program restarts.

All bandmap features work on these 'spotted' stations so they are easy accessible if needed. Self-spotted stations are easily recognized because they are shown in bold.

This option is also available on the Filters tab of the Telnet window.

10.8. Grab Focus From Other Apps When Radio Is Tuned

Brings N1MM+ to the front over any other app when you tune a radio that is interfaced with the program.

10.9. Do not automatically switch to Run on CQ-frequency

When selected and you QSY back to an old Run frequency, the mode stays in S&P. F1 and Alt+Q continue to switch to Run mode. This is most useful in Sprint-like contests, where you QSY frequently and want to avoid unexpected switches to Run mode

10.10. Show Non-workable Spots and Dupes in Bandmap

This option is also found on the Filters tab of the Telnet window. When checked, this option displays all previously worked (dupe) call-signs, as well as stations that don't count in the current contest, in grey on the bandmap. When navigation the bandmap with hot-keys (Ctrl+Up/Dn, for example), grey calls are ignored. Its use is highly recommended to avoid wasting time on non-workable stations when S&P, even if operating unassisted.

10.11. Reset Rx freq to TX when QSO is logged (RUN and split)

When using the main VFO to transmit and the other to receive (split mode) after each logged QSO the RX frequency will be made equal to the TX (main VFO) frequency. It resets after every RUNNING QSO. Using a radio with VFOs A and B, this feature is there to let you use the main frequency control as an RIT. With Main/Sub radios like the Icom 756/7800 series you can not RX on SUB without receiving on both VFOs. In this case put RX on Main and TX on SUB for Alt+S to work.

10.12. Sub Receiver Always On

Yaesu FT-1000 series: The sub receiver will be left on (blinking green RX led)

Icom IC-756 series, IC-781, IC-775 and IC-7800 only: Dual watch is not turned off when you switch from SUB to Main with Ctrl+Left Arrow or PAUSE

Elecraft K3: The sub receiver will be left on

Not selected - The sub receiver will switched off (RX led off)

CQ Repeat - Alt+R

Toggle for repeat CQing. With Winkeyer, beginning to enter a call-sign in the Entry Window terminates the CQ, but the program remains in CQ repeat mode. The function is automatically turned off when no longer on the CQ-frequency and the mode changed to S&P.

10.13. Set CQ repeat time - Ctrl+R

Specify the repeat interval (CW or SSB with sound card) in seconds. The default value is 1.8 seconds.

10.14. CW AutoSend Threshold - Ctrl+Shift+M

Start sending the call-sign after a certain number of characters typed AFTER the last number in the call-sign. The minimum threshold is 1. 0 will turn off the feature. Only works when in RUN mode, not in S&P. More info in the Logging Key Assignments section.

10.15. Enable Call History Lookup

When enabled, Call History Lookup can be used to pre-fill the exchange during a contest to save typing, or to display user comments or notes for specific call-signs. Reverse Call History Lookup uses the same Call History file to find stations whose exchanges fit what you have entered in the Exchange field. It is enabled by the same Config menu entry. Follow the links above for the full story.

10.16. Change CW/SSB/Digital Message Buttons - Alt+K

Change the contents of the CW/SSB/Digital Function Key messages). The maximum length of text in each CW, SSB and RTTY button is 255 characters. Alt+K will access the relevant list of definitions, depending on the mode you are in, or you can right-click in the button area to get there. See the discussion of the Function Key Editor here.

10.17. Change Band Plan

The sub-menu offers the choice of CW or digital bandplan tables which can be edited and saved. You can only designate one CW and one digital band segment per band.

By definition, digital segments override cw segments, and both override SSB segments. That means that unless a band segment is designated for CW or digital modes, it will be shown as SSB.

For example, on 40 meters, you can enter a CW segment of 700-7100 KHz, and a digital segment of 7040-7050. The resulting bandmap markings will look like this:

Changes in Band Plan Management

N1MM Logger+ has adopted a new approach to designating and displaying CW, digital and SSB band plans. You can now adjust the sub-bands that are displayed for any individual band through right-clicking on frequency labels (e.g. "7045") in the relevant Bandmap. See this link for details.

10.18. Manage Skins, Colors and Fonts

10.19. Change Operator Call-sign Stored in Log (Ctrl+O)

This function is used mostly in multi-operator situations, to change the operator callsign stored in the log and to call up a preferred window configuration when a new operator takes over.

10.20. Change Exchange Abbreviations

The idea here is to hedge against having people send you abbreviations during contest that are not the same as those recognized by the contest organizers. We've all had people send us "ALA" when they meant "AL" or ALTA when they meant "AB". The problem is particularly bad in QSO parties. Put the non-standard abbreviation in the "Abbreviation" column, with the correct one in the Section Column. Click on the Section heading to sort by the standard abbreviation, so you can see various alternatives that you have entered.

10.21. SO2R

Much more info about Single Operator Two Radio operation of the program can be found in the SO2R chapter.

Dueling CQ's - Ctrl+B - SO2R feature that alternates sending CQ on each radio in turn, listening on one while transmitting on the other. Supported for both CW and SSB.

Changing either radio in frequency more than 200 Hz will terminate Dueling CQ.

Set Dueling CQ Repeat Time - Adjusts time after CQ ends on one radio before it starts on the other. In seconds.

FocusOther Always Swap - Focus always switches to the other radio when one radio is transmitting, and always switches back to the original radio when transmission is completed.

Toggle CTRLFx Macro - Ctrl+Shift+L - When enabled and present in one of the function key definitions, the {CTRLFx} macro executes Fx (Function key definition x) on the opposite radio. An example is TU{CTRLF1} in Radio 2's F3 slot, which sends TU and then sends the other radio's F1, used to get quickly back to the Run radio and call CQ after finishing an S&P QSO on Radio 2.

TX Lockout (Digital) - Select a lockout option. Also MIXED mode category is supported i.e. blocks second TRX on the same band and mode. This doesn't prevent RX overload. For digital modes only

There's No Substitute for A Hardware Lockout

Software lockouts are inherently less reliable than hardware systems, because of the vagaries of networking, RFI, etc. We urge you not to rely solely on software lockouts to prevent rule violations or hardware damage.

Multi-TX - This is the default setting. Start CQ on radio A, next a CQ on radio B, both are active. (no lockout)

First one wins - Start CQ on radio A, pause, Start CQ on radio B. The radio B CQ is ignored since radio A is already active, so if you press a F-key for the second radio while radio1 is transmitting, the radio B F-key is ignored.

Last one wins - Start CQ on radio A (CQ starts), pause, Start CQ on radio B. The CQ on radio A will aborted and the CQ on radio B will start so if you press a F-key for the second radio while radio A is transmitting, the radio A transmission is interrupted and radio B transmits.

Max QTC Number for call-sign colors in Band Map - opens a dialog box to allow you to set the number of QTCs to be used for displaying the special colors in the bandmap for stations with QTCs remaining

Ctrl-Z sends QTC? automatically (EU stations, Run mode only) - When this option is checked, pressing Ctrl+Z while in Run mode automatically sends QTC? and puts the program into QTC mode (CW only, EU stations only).

10.23. Clear INI file settings

Option to clear out the 'N1MM logger.ini' file. Generally, it will be preferable to rename the existing .ini file to something like N1MM Logger.old, so that you can retrieve your settings if you need them to re-configure.

CW Key Ctrl+K - Display the CW Key window. Pressing Ctrl+K again or Enter will close the window but will continue sending the message. Pressing Escape will stop sending the message. The windows is multiline (for pasting in text) and can be resized. The font type and size is the same as used in the Entry Window

N1MM Logger Manual (User installed *pdf required) - Read the manual off-line. There is a link on the Tools menu that will download this file - be sure you download it into the Support Files folder in the N1MM Logger+ user files area. Requires Adobe Reader or another .pdf reader

Contest rules for this contest- Go to the web site from the contest sponsor on the Internet where the rules can be found. Requires an active Internet connection

User Questions & Discussion Group - Go to the Yahoo Discussion Group page on the Internet. Requires an active Internet connection

Bug Report Form - Go to the form on the N1MM Logger web site. Please note, this is not the place to report difficulties such as installation or setup problems - far better to use the Yahoo group for that. Requires an active Internet connection

Feature Request Form - Go to the form on the N1MM Logger web site. Requires an active Internet connection

View Error Log - View the latest 'Errorlog.txt' file generated by the program. The program creates and updates the contents of this file when the program generates an error. This could be used to help pinpointing a problem in the program

Report Score to 3830- Go to the 3830 score reporting site on the Internet. Requires an active Internet connection